Sprint vs. Distance

How does one know they are really a distance swimmer vs. a sprinter? For example, I'm sure Fort practices like she is a sprinter, so uses her distance sets differently than someone who thinks they are a distance swimmer does. Of course, she will do well in either. But naturally, she practices sprinting most of the time so she will place better in the sprints. But what if she had a personality change and decided she liked distance best and practiced like a distance swimmer? Wouldn't she naturally place better in the distance events than the sprints just on the pure fact she is practicing to be a sprinter? I guess the point is, how do you know you're practicing what you are REALLY naturally best at? How could someone test this without bias from what they practice on a day to day basis? Or in the case of middle distance, what if the field of competition is poor? And speaking of it, what about middle distance? Is there a group that's naturally suited best for middle distance? So, if I start practicing like a 200 swimmer, will it blind me to a true calling as someone who does 50's, 100's, or 500+ events? I enjoy all distances, so I would like to practice what I am naturally best at so I can feel the most sense of accomplishment at meets. How can I know? I didn't always practice like a sprinter and I still did best in the sprints! Last summer/early fall, for example, I trained a lot with my team and was doing a lot more yardage. (Not many sprinters on my team.) Despite the engine building, I still always placed or was ranked higher in the 50s. So, I've concluded that even if I trained like crazy, I'd still do better in the sprints than distance events. (However, since hardly anyone swims the 200 fly, maybe I'd do well there. :rofl: ) Now, having focused more on sprinting and short quality sets the last five months, I think I'm a little better at sprinting now with my aerobic lite training plan. Since I don't swim in many meets, I tend to be pretty focused on the sprints. Also, physically, I'm pretty strong. Strength = sprinter. Another clue. Reaction time? I'm pretty fast off the blocks, another sprinter trait. I think you may have to swim a bunch of events at meets and see how you do. If there's no competition, look at the "current top times" on the competiton tab at the top of the USMS home page to compare yourself to others in your age group. I don't think your training will steer you erroneously into something you're not suited for. Your area of expertise will likely still shine through, guided by your own instincts and preferences. Middle distance is definitely a distinct discipline!! Kirk: Except for my IM, which involves evilstroke, my 100s are usually 2-2.5 seconds apart. Sprinters also have FEAR OF DYING ... Although I grant you that most sprinters go out fast. I'll get around to trying that tactic too. (And as you saw, my venture into the 100 free resulted in splits only 1.2 seconds apart).

How does one know they are really a distance swimmer vs. a sprinter? For example, I'm sure Fort practices like she is a sprinter, so uses her distance sets differently than someone who thinks they are a distance swimmer does. Of course, she will do well in either. But naturally, she practices sprinting most of the time so she will place better in the sprints. But what if she had a personality change and decided she liked distance best and practiced like a distance swimmer? Wouldn't she naturally place better in the distance events than the sprints just on the pure fact she is practicing to be a sprinter? I guess the point is, how do you know you're practicing what you are REALLY naturally best at? How could someone test this without bias from what they practice on a day to day basis? Or in the case of middle distance, what if the field of competition is poor? And speaking of it, what about middle distance? Is there a group that's naturally suited best for middle distance? So, if I start practicing like a 200 swimmer, will it blind me to a true calling as someone who does 50's, 100's, or 500+ events? I enjoy all distances, so I would like to practice what I am naturally best at so I can feel the most sense of accomplishment at meets. How can I know? I didn't always practice like a sprinter and I still did best in the sprints! Last summer/early fall, for example, I trained a lot with my team and was doing a lot more yardage. (Not many sprinters on my team.) Despite the engine building, I still always placed or was ranked higher in the 50s. So, I've concluded that even if I trained like crazy, I'd still do better in the sprints than distance events. (However, since hardly anyone swims the 200 fly, maybe I'd do well there. :rofl: ) Now, having focused more on sprinting and short quality sets the last five months, I think I'm a little better at sprinting now with my aerobic lite training plan. Since I don't swim in many meets, I tend to be pretty focused on the sprints. Also, physically, I'm pretty strong. Strength = sprinter. Another clue. Reaction time? I'm pretty fast off the blocks, another sprinter trait. I think you may have to swim a bunch of events at meets and see how you do. If there's no competition, look at the "current top times" on the competiton tab at the top of the USMS home page to compare yourself to others in your age group. I don't think your training will steer you erroneously into something you're not suited for. Your area of expertise will likely still shine through, guided by your own instincts and preferences. Middle distance is definitely a distinct discipline!! Kirk: Except for my IM, which involves evilstroke, my 100s are usually 2-2.5 seconds apart. Sprinters also have FEAR OF DYING ... Although I grant you that most sprinters go out fast. I'll get around to trying that tactic too. (And as you saw, my venture into the 100 free resulted in splits only 1.2 seconds apart).